Standards are statements that describe the expectation of what a student should know (content) and/or be able to do (skills) by a certain point in a student’s academic development. The Archdiocese of Santa Fe believes that learning is a process. Proficiency-Based grading shows what a student knows, understands, and can improve. Over the past 2 years, work has been done by a committee of teachers and administrators to identify the essential learning standards as well. Essential learning standards have been identified as the highest priority for the children in that grade level to learn. For the most part, you will see the essential learning standards reflected on your child’s report card. It does not mean the other standards are not important. In fact, the other standards listed in each subject area, are all connected back to the essential standard. The other standards provide more detail and description as students work towards mastering an essential skill. It is also important to note that the Archdiocesan Curriculum and Learning Standards have not changed.
What Is Proficiency-Based Grading?
Often called standards-referenced, mastery learning, competency-based, or standards-based grading, proficiency-based grading looks different from traditional grading and report cards. The Archdiocese of Santa Fe’s report card format has changed to reflect an accurate snapshot of a child’s academic progress and growth in relation to the Archdiocese of Santa Fe curriculum standards. The goal is to increase communication between parent-student-teacher about the student progress towards mastery of defined learning targets. Scoring is not based on a traditional grading scale of A-F, rather scoring is based on where the child is on the proficiency continuum for that standard. This scale shows which goals have been mastered and which goals may require additional instruction and practice. Mastery means that the student is consistently meeting the learning outcome and working independently with very few errors. Mastery is to be celebrated. The scoring does not translate to grades of A, B, or C. The scoring guide is listed on your child’s report card and posted on our Website for your reference. As your school transitions to this type of reporting, you will receive more information specific to your child’s classroom.
How Will This Impact Teaching And Learning?
The advantage is that all students are working towards clear learning goals at each grade level. Final grades are based on what a student knows. Proficiency-based teaching and learning give teachers and parents more information regarding student progress. This allows the teacher to give a more individualized approach to learning and meet the students where they are. The focus becomes learning and mastery of content and not the final grade.
Will This Affect High School And College Admissions?
Many Catholic schools have transitioned to this type of teaching and learning. It is not a new trend and it has been researched extensively by educational leaders. Students who are meeting grade-level expectations in elementary school and transition to a high school with a traditional grading system continue to do well. Many universities and colleges are accepting proficiency-based reporting as a valid and reliable measure for admissions. In fact, high schools and colleges across the country are also using this type of teaching and learning. Recently, over 70 colleges and universities, including Harvard and Dartmouth Universities have signed formal statements affirming that proficiency-based education will not hurt the admissions process (McKenna, 2018).